GOODS & SERVICES: New Ideas, Jul. 15, 1957

GOODS & SERVICES

Tearproof Paper. A super-tough paper made of plastic-coated nylon will soon be produced in the U.S. by Snia Viscosa, Italy’s biggest synthetic fiber maker. Called Papertex, the new plastic paper is guaranteed tearproof, flame-resistant, and impervious to insect or water damage, can be folded and unfolded thousands of times without cracking. Already tested for such diverse products as maps, photographic paper, lightweight handbags and raincoats, Papertex will be made in the U.S. on a large-scale commercial basis by a new company formed by Snia Viscosa called Resinova, in conjunction with General Aniline & Film Corp. and Schwarzenbach Huber Co.

Bubbly Aluminum. The first practical “foamed” aluminum for extra-light weight has been produced under U.S. Air Force contract by Bjorksten Research Laboratories at Madison, Wis. Filled with bubbles made by hydrogen gas, the new metal is one-tenth as heavy as aluminum sheet, can be sawed, nailed, bolted or glued to other objects. Immediate military use: as lightweight parts in jet planes. Potential civilian use: as a fireproof, rot-resistant substitute for lumber in residential house construction.

Never-Wear Nylon. Du Pont has developed a tougher nylon for heavy-duty work and sports clothes. To be marketed in clothing this fall, the new nylon (Du Pont 420) can be blended with cotton or rayon to make clothes that Du Pont claims will last 70% to 100% longer than standard garments.

Truckers’ Treat. A tractor-trailer to take some of the drudgery out of long-haul trucking has been developed for National Van Lines by General Body Co. and White Motor Co. The high-bodied tractor unit perches the driver 8 ft. above the level of the road, which gives him better daytime visibility and avoids the nighttime problem of oncoming headlight glare. Back half of the unit is the equivalent of a rolling motel; instead of a cramped bunk behind the driver’s head, the tractor has a small room with two bunks and a lavatory for the crew. Cost of the tractor: $12,500.